6 Activities to Enjoy with Teenage Grandchildren

By James Pasquinelli, 9:00 am on July 18, 2017

Some grandparents find it difficult to communicate and connect with teenage grandchildren. Technological advances and social media make the world of today’s teens vastly different from that of their grandparents. The following are a few activities that can help bridge the generation gap.

1. Play Video Games

Instead of becoming frustrated by a teen’s natural obsession with electronics, grandparents can utilize it as a point of connection by asking their grandchildren to teach them their favorite video game. The teen will appreciate being viewed as an expert and the opportunity to show off his or her skills and knowledge. Grandparents may also find video games enhance their hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills. Some games also involve dancing and other physical activities that can be beneficial for teens and seniors alike.

If you think your aging loved one could benefit from additional companionship and support, consider hiring a professional caregiver. Seniors can face a variety of age-related challenges. Though some families choose to take on the caregiving duties, there may come a time when they need a trusted Windermere in-home care provider. Families sometimes need respite from their duties so they can focus on their other responsibilities, and some seniors need around-the-clock assistance that their families are not able to provide. Home Care Assistance is here to help.

2. Share a Hobby

Grandparents can use their favorite hobby as a way to spend time with their grandchildren. Teaching a teen how to cook, sew, or plant a garden provides valuable life skills that can help him or her become more independent. By sharing their knowledge and skills, grandparents can also create a deeper bond and lasting memories with their grandchildren.

3. Volunteer

Giving back to others is a great way for teens and older adults to connect. From building homes for those in need to spending time at the local animal shelter, grandparents and teens can find many volunteer opportunities. Grandparents will have the satisfaction of instilling a sense of responsibility in their grandchildren, and teens will appreciate their passion for a particular issue.

Engaging in fun activities and staying social are crucial for a senior’s wellbeing. If your aging loved one requires regular social companionship, consider hiring a caregiver. For families living in Orlando, FL, respite care can be a wonderful solution when their aging loved ones need companionship and socialization a few hours a week or just need minor assistance with daily household tasks. At Home Care Assistance, we thrive on helping seniors maintain their independence while living in the comfort of home.

4. Create a Scrapbook

Family stories can disappear if they are not shared with the younger generation. Seniors can preserve their family history and ensure a lasting legacy for future generations by creating a digital scrapbook with their grandchildren. Grandparents will enjoy the opportunity to reminisce and share their stories, and teens can show off their technological expertise by creating the electronic scrapbook.

5. Share Music

Every generation has its own soundtrack. While grandparents and teens will likely have different musical preferences, they can still learn to appreciate each other’s favorite music. Spending an afternoon together listening to music can open the door to sharing memories and provide greater insight into the power of music.

6. Learn a Language

Learning a new language can help teens become more aware of the world around them and instill a deeper appreciation of other countries and cultures. For older adults, learning a new language creates new neural pathways in the brain that can boost cognitive function. Many community colleges and universities offer short-term introductory language classes. There are also several online resources, such as Duolingo, that allow people to learn a new language at their own pace from the comfort of home.

Spending time with grandkids can help your loved one maintain a sense of purpose. Another way to promote his or her physical and emotional wellbeing is with the companionship of a dedicated caregiver. For many seniors in Altamonte Springs, Florida, live-in care is an essential component of aging in place safely and comfortably. However, it’s important for them to have caregivers they can trust and rely on. At Home Care Assistance, we extensively screen all of our live-in and 24-hour caregivers and only hire those who have experience in the senior home care industry. Our strict requirements ensure seniors can remain in the comfort of home with a reduced risk of injury or serious illness. Call us at (407) 232-7155 to schedule an in-home consultation or to hire a dedicated caregiver for your senior loved one.